Iowa ACLU urges Bettendorf, Davenport reverse ‘aggressive panhandling’ ordinances
“The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa sent letters on Tuesday to four eastern Iowa cities, including Bettendorf and Davenport calling for them to repeal and stop enforcing their panhandling laws.
In a virtual press conference, ACLU staff attorney Shefali Aurora said anti-panhandling laws criminalize poverty.
‘Punishing homeless people with fees, fines and arrests for simply asking for help is not only unconstitutional but also inhumane,’ Aurora said.
Davenport City Code 9.08.080 prohibits ‘aggressive panhandling.’ According to the ordinance, this occurs when a person performs one of eight actions, including blocking a solicited person’s path and continuing to solicit donations after being denied.”